Authorities Pursue $905m Of Welfare Debts

Almost 170,000 Australians with welfare debts racked up through false claims are being warned to sign repayment plans or face interest charges.

The federal government is pursuing the former welfare recipients in an effort to recoup more than $900 million.

"All those being contacted no longer receive a benefit, but previously received payments they were not entitled to and have made no effort - in some cases for over a decade - to repay what they owe," Human Services Minister Michael Keenan said on Friday.